"What!"
Wang Xiangxiu glared at Hu Huihui, feeling as though she could lunge forward and scratch her at any mont. She was like a raging bull, nostrils flaring, and suddenly exploded: "Hu Huihui, get out of my house! I knew you weren't any good, always pushing my son into those shady deeds. Are you even human?"
In an instant, Hu Huihui was berated to the core.
However, despite being scolded, Hu Huihui remained unruffled and calm. She didn't move from her seat but spoke quietly: "Sister, I'm doing this for your family. Your son is a grown man without a job, just sitting around wasting resources. Sure, it might not sound honorable, but if you don't tell, who would know? And even if they do, when you're in dire straits, do you really think others will lend you a hand?"
Wang Xiangxiu: "You..."
She grabbed Hu Huihui by the arm, and Su Jinlai quickly stepped in to stop the fight, saying: "What are you doing, Mom? Why are you so angry? Auntie hasn't said anything wrong."
Wang Xiangxiu trembled with rage: "She wants you to do that kind of work, and you think she's right?"
Su Jinlai felt a bit uneasy but still insisted: "What's wrong with that kind of work? It's just a one-ti thing."
Once it happened once, the second ti ca easily.
The first ti, Su Jinlai hesitated, but by the second, he was quite willing.
His eyes shone with eagerness as he looked at Hu Huihui and asked: "Auntie, how much will I get this ti?"
Hu Huihui held up a hand showing five fingers.
Su Jinlai's eyes dimd slightly. Hu Huihui explained: "This ti, it's only half of what you got last ti, but it's just one person. You'll accompany her for a week."
Hearing it was just one person, Su Jinlai visibly relaxed. Last ti, it had been three people—three ferocious foreign won who seed like they wanted to devour him.
He had been helpless, unable to resist, and the mory still brought imnse discomfort. Back then, he had sworn never to do this again; it was just too hard, and he'd rather die than be a gigolo.
But... ti passed, the pain faded, and now the allure of money rekindled his determination. He wavered instantly, thinking, one person should be manageable.
Hu Huihui, of course, could read Su Jinlai's thoughts.
She said: "Jinlai, I wouldn't co to you if it weren't important. This ti, it's a foreigner, but actually a Chinese visiting from abroad. She heard about your reputation while shopping at Xidan and wanted to experience it herself. Ordinary people wouldn't offer that much. You understand? This price is due to your fa!"
Su Jinlai was stunned.
Wang Xiangxiu felt like she might faint.
Yinlai and Tonglai, peeking from the inner room, couldn't help but stick their heads out... Wang Xiangxiu shouted: "Get back inside!"
The two quickly ducked back in.
Hu Huihui didn't care about this. Whether it was Jinlai, Yinlai, or Tonglai, none of them were special to her. But Jinlai was famous and could earn her money, so she was willing to interact with him.
"The lady has heard of your reputation and is eager to et you. Don't worry, during this ti, you'll stay with her in a hotel. She'll cover all your expenses."
Hu Huihui added with gravity: "This is a great opportunity to make money."
Su Jinlai: "Sure."
Wang Xiangxiu: "You scoundrel!"
She slapped her son across the face. Su Jinlai, after being hit, retorted impatiently: "Mom, enough! You can't give five hundred dollars, so what's wrong with earning so money? Besides, I'm young and strong. What's wrong with making money this way? The client is a big fan, after all. It wouldn't be right to disappoint her."
"You, you, you!"
Wang Xiangxiu looked at her eldest son and realized he had truly gone astray. No matter what she said, it was futile. Taking a deep breath, she said: "Do as you please."
Su Jinlai: "Auntie, see..."
Hu Huihui: "I'll co pick you up tomorrow."
She smiled and said: "Think about it. You're promoting cultural exchange with foreign visitors, fostering goodwill between people. What's not to like? And when you look at it closely, you're technically working. Your job is accompanying foreign guests, like being a guide."
Could this be justified like that?
Su Jinlai's eyes lit up: "That makes perfect sense."
Hu Huihui gave a subtle smile: "Alright, since you agree, I'll take my leave."
Wang Xiangxiu: "Take these things with you. We don't want them."
Despite her words, Hu Huihui didn't take them back but said with a smile: "Sister, keep them. It's for the kids' nourishnt."
She spoke softly: "The child is grown; you can't control everything. Let him find his way and save so money. Earning while young is always better than struggling when old, right?"
"Get out!"
Wang Xiangxiu didn't want to hear any more from her.
Hu Huihui wasn't angry; she didn't mind when money was involved.
She said: "Goodbye, Sister."
Wang Xiangxiu seethed: "I never want to see you again."
Even if her son was a disappointnt, he was still her child. All she could bla was Hu Huihui for leading him astray.
Hu Huihui genuinely said: "I swear, I'm not taking a single penny. May I be struck by lightning if I lie. I just want your family to earn so money. Moreover, I don't think there's anything wrong with a man doing this. If you had a daughter, I wouldn't approach you."
These words are left for the individuals to interpret.
Wang Xiangxiu didn't care what she said, pointing to the door: "Leave!"
Hu Huihui shrugged: "Think about it. I an no harm."
She left quickly, already calculating how much she could make. Not from Su Jinlai's deal, though. That was her gesture to curry favor. The five hundred yuan was actually her contribution.
Her real goal was to secure the TV sets from the wealthy lady, shipped from Hong Kong. If she could pamper the lady well, flipping that batch of TVs could net her a tidy profit.
She usually dealt in fake antiques, but the profits weren't stable, with so stingy foreigners.
But TVs were a different story.
Smiling, she swiftly left the alley.
Hu Huihui ca and went quickly, leaving the Su family in a heavy atmosphere. Wang Xiangxiu was so angry she couldn't eat.
The family had already been furious over Su Jinlai's actions, not feeling like eating. It was Tonglai's persuasion that got her to prepare a al, and then... Hu Huihui showed up. Although Hu Huihui seed well-aning, Wang Xiangxiu couldn't trust her.
Moreover, even if Hu Huihui had good intentions, a grown man engaging in such activities wasn't respectable. The humiliation didn't bother her as much as the physical toll it would take.
Wang Xiangxiu was extrely worried: "What will happen in the future?"
Su Jinlai, however, was utterly unfazed: "Mom, you're overthinking it. Auntie even lets her husband do this, and she doesn't care. What's the big deal?"
"What!!!" Wang Xiangxiu was shocked. But quickly, she shook her head firmly: "Your aunt may be fine with it, but no wealthy lady would!"
Su Jinlai: "Hey, you can't be sure. Auntie herself said so."
Wang Xiangxiu scoffed: "Impossible. Use your head. Her husband is over fifty; what would a wealthy lady want with him? His age? His old body? No way!"
Su Jinlai insisted: "Last ti, Auntie said her husband also entertained guests."
Tonglai looked at his older brother, seriously doubting they were actually brothers. His brother's reasoning skills were suspect. He worriedly said: "What she ans by entertaining guests is just that—pure hosting. Not what you're thinking."
He looked at his brother with concern, feeling his sibling's mind might be a bit off. He said: "Mom's right. Over fifty years old; is the lady crazy? Young guys aren't appealing? Look at you; you've got quite the reputation. What does her husband have?"
Su Jinlai: "..."
Tonglai: "Mom, don't be angry. Let big brother do whatever he wants. It's better than following those street hooligans around. At least sleeping with rich won isn't a cri, but if he got involved in sothing illegal, that would be a disaster."
His words carried a clear implication.
Wang Xiangxiu: "???"
Tonglai: "I just heard in the yard that the gang stealing steel from the machinery factory was caught. If Big Brother had mixed with such people, he'd be in big trouble."
Su Jinlai imdiately beca uneasy.
As Tonglai spoke, he kept his gaze fixed on Su Jinlai. Noticing his nervousness, he asked, "Did you get involved? You should know the consequences if you did."
Su Jinlai was instantly frightened. Sure, he liked to show off, but he definitely didn't want to go to jail. He had already spent a few years in a juvenile detention center and found the place unbearable. He had heard that prison was even worse.
In the detention center, he had a friend whose older brother was in prison, and rumors said you had to be careful about... well, certain... matters.
Su Jinlai, a proud man who could battle with won for days, would never accept anything involving n. He frantically defended himself, "I-I-I wasn't really involved. I just stood guard twice, and they used as a decoy. They only gave ten yuan for those two tis."
He was quite irritated just thinking about it.
He added, "I may have boasted about being part of it, but in reality, I wasn't."
Tonglai: "How exactly did they use you as a decoy?"
He pressed him for details.
Su Jinlai: "They didn't trust at all. All the information they gave was fake. They were distracting , playing tricks on ."
Thinking about it made him even angrier.
Su Jinlai felt he had to clarify: "I may steal things, but I don't dare to steal big money. My petty thefts are just a few yuan or maybe a chicken. You know that."
In truth, he had tried multiple tis to join their gang, but they found him too cowardly and weren't interested in taking him along.
Tonglai nodded, "As long as you weren't fully involved, that's fine."
His eyes flickered as he said, "So, what's the na of the person you were in contact with?"
Su Jinlai: "He's called Monkey. He actually wanted to go solo too, but neither of us could pull it off. Monkey's boss, who stole the steel, is called Black Brother."
He wasn't sure if they were the ones caught today, but...
Tonglai let out a long "Oh" and suddenly changed the subject, asking, "So, what are you going to do with the two sisters in the backyard for the next week?"
Su Jinlai: "..."
He said, "I'll go and tell them."
He walked out the door and headed to the backyard.
Wang Xiangxiu was truly alard. She asked, "Tonglai, is there really nothing to worry about?"
Tonglai: "As long as Big Brother wasn't lying, then there's no issue. If he didn't actually participate, he's fine. I think his expression shows he was telling the truth. Plus, if I were running a criminal gang, I wouldn't take him either. He's an idiot."
Wang Xiangxiu: "..."
Tonglai lowered his eyes slightly and then added, "But just to prevent Big Brother from getting desperate for money and taking this path again, and also to do the right thing, I've decided to report Black Brother and his gang. If they were the ones caught today, so be it. If not, eliminating another gang is still a good thing."
Wang Xiangxiu: "..."
Tonglai: "With all of them in prison, Big Brother won't have anyone to help him if he wants to do dirty stuff. With his personality, he can't make real friends anyway. Monkey and the others were all people he knew from the detention center. Now that they're all locked up, Big Brother will be all alone, which is great."
He spoke solemnly, "Let him ss around with those won—as long as he doesn't get caught, it's fine. It's better than him stealing."
Wang Xiangxiu: "What you're saying does make so sense."
Yinlai: "???"
"I'll report Black Brother and the others."
Wang Xiangxiu was a bit worried: "What if soone cos to get revenge?"
Tonglai: "Don't worry, Auntie Ming will know who to trust and whose mouth is tight. Besides," he paused, "they just caught one gang, so if another one crops up, they'll just think it's dog-eat-dog business. They won't suspect soone turned them in."
Wang Xiangxiu: "Alright, I'll trust you on this."
Late at night, Tonglai ca knocking. Zhuang Zhixi: "This little scoundrel."
He got up to open the door and said, "I was about to sleep. What are you doing?"
Tonglai: "Sorry to disturb you, Uncle Zhuang. I ca to ask..."
He explained quickly, and Ming i, hearing it, said, "I'll take you there tomorrow."
Tonglai nodded: "Thank you, Auntie."
Ming i: "You're welco."
Tonglai didn't delay their rest. Ming i, rubbing her temples, said, "Tomorrow I'm going to face a barrage of questioning again."
Zhuang Zhixi: "If you like it, go ahead."
He added, "Before, you couldn't let go because the kids were young, but now that they're older, if you enjoy it, you should go."
Ming i hesitated and admitted frankly, "I do like it, but I'm also afraid I might not do a good job. You know, this isn't a small matter. I'm afraid I might not be suited for it and, if I make a mistake, it could lead to serious consequences. This isn't sothing minor."
She ruffled her hair and said, "If it were about teaching them martial arts, I'd be fine with it. That's sothing I'm good at, sothing I'm confident in. But if it's solving cris, look at —I'm just an ordinary person with no experience in that. If I ss up, it could harm others. No, no, no."
Ming i flopped onto the bed and said, "I won't push myself. I'm not suited for that."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Then think about it so more."
Smiling, he said, "Shall I co with you tomorrow?"
Ming i: "That's not necessary."
It was just so extra nagging, nothing serious.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, let's sleep."
Ming i gave a slight smile and said, "Are you going to grow so Clivia plants?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Yes, I thought I'd stock up while they're not trendy here, and if they beco valuable, we can profit."
But he also honestly added, "If it doesn't work out, we can just enjoy them as decoration. Don't bla , okay?"
Ming i looked deeply at Zhuang Zhixi. He winked at her, and she burst out laughing, saying, "Okay."
"You're really not worried about losing money?"
Ming i: "Not at all. We can always make more. I trust you. And I've calculated it, and with this sale, splitting the profits 50-50 with your mom, we'll have about 10,000 yuan. You're not going to spend all of that."
Zhuang Zhixi: "That's true."
Ming i: "Alright, let's get so sleep."
Zhuang Zhixi moved closer to his wife and gently embraced her...
As expected, Zhao Guihua and Ming i, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo, cleared out all the bell-bottom pants by the fourth day. After packing up, they returned ho and calculated the profits, returning the initial investnt to Zhao Guihua and splitting the rest, with each ending up with 10,500 yuan.
Ming i couldn't believe she had beco a "ten-thousand-yuan household." She was so excited her breathing quickened.
Zhao Guihua, on the other hand, remained calm. Ming i was in awe. She exclaid, "Mom, the way you stay so calm makes look so useless."
Zhao Guihua shot her a glance and said, "You are pretty useless. Getting excited over just 10,000 yuan."
Ming i chuckled.
Zhao Guihua: "Keep that money well. If you don't need it, deposit it in the bank."
Ming i nodded. She knew she had to listen to her mother-in-law on that. It was a serious matter.
She asked seriously, "Mom, now that we have money, what should we do? You're older and have more experience. Can you guide us?"
Zhao Guihua: "In the long run, buying property is the most reliable. It's like saving money. Right now, the benefits aren't big, but in the long term, you won't lose out. If you're good at doing business, that's another option. In these tis, as long as you're willing to work hard, you can make money."
Ming i was decisive: "I can't really endure hard work."
She had never suffered much in her life, even for the sake of making money.
Zhao Guihua: "I can see that."
Ming i giggled sweetly.
Zhao Guihua: "Or, you can work with . I'm planning to head to Guangzhou for so goods."
Ming i: "Pfft!"
She had just taken a sip of tea and spat it out imdiately.
Apparently, Zhuang Zhixi had guessed correctly.
He had worried that his mother would get hooked on business and want to continue selling. It seed that he really knew his mother well.
Ming i: "You're really... going to Guangzhou?"
She cautiously asked, "Has Big Brother and Zhuang Zhixi been inford?"
Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes and glanced at her daughter-in-law, saying, “Am I the mom or are they the mom? Isn’t this sothing I can decide for myself?”
Ming i: “…”
Zhao Guihua: “Do I need to consult with them? I can make the decision on my own. If you trust , invest your money with , and I guarantee you’ll make a profit.” Though I’m an uneducated old lady, I have experience. I can seize this opportunity.
Ming i: “I trust you, but you’re planning to go to another city, and that’s really worrying.” Noticing the old lady’s eyes narrowing, she added, “Don’t glare at . I’m not saying you shouldn’t go, but it’s really a concern.”
“There’s nothing to worry about!”
Ming i: “There is! First, the long train ride might be too tiring for you. And what if sothing happens once you get there? What if you get scamd during the purchasing process? What if people take advantage of your age and cheat you?”
Ming i was trying her best to persuade Zhao Guihua, but it was clear that the old lady didn’t see it that way. “You mind your own business,” she snapped.
The stubborn old lady was not backing down. “I’m going to buy so vegetables. Let’s have a nice dinner tonight.”
After all, money earned must be spent. Zhao Guihua didn’t want to listen to her daughter-in-law’s nagging. “Alright, I know what I’m doing. Why are you, young people, so reserved? Anyway, what do you like to eat?”
Ming i: “Huh?”
She hesitated for a mont before replying, “I like anything.”
Zhao Guihua: “How unambitious. Tonight, I’ll buy so pig trotters. I rember there’s a place near Chaoyangn Market that makes the most delicious braised pig trotters. Oh my, that flavor is incredible.”
Ming i swallowed hard, her mouth watering.
Zhao Guihua: “I’ll get so seafood too. Alright, I’m off.”
The old lady left with a flourish.
As for how to divide the money without letting the whole family know, Zhao Guihua thought there was no need for that! Since the eldest son was too timid to participate, she wouldn’t tell them about it, lest they get jealous later.
As for Old Man Zhuang and Zhuang Zhixi, they were just ant to follow orders anyway.
Zhao Guihua happily left the house, deciding to buy so good food for a big family dinner. She humd a little tune as she stepped out, only to see Su Jinlai getting into a taxi, with Hu Huihui in the car as well.
Zhao Guihua shook her head slightly, murmuring, “Looks like he has a new deal underway.”
The last ti he ca back, his legs were shaking like he was about to collapse. Yet here he was, not giving up and getting back into it. Truly a man who values money over his life. She strolled away, humming her tune.
Thinking back, when Hu Huihui moved in, there was probably more to it than t the eye.
Her real target was the hidden stash of Yu Baoshan. Fortunately, Hu Huihui wasn’t impulsive and hadn’t left any evidence behind. If she had been caught, their family would have been in real trouble. Zhao Guihua humd her tune as she went to buy groceries. Who would have thought that in just four days, they had made over twenty thousand yuan, and she had earned more than ten thousand herself. It was faster than robbing a bank.
Back then, people always talked about “windows of opportunity,” but she didn’t quite get it. Now she understood. What is a window of opportunity?
This is a window of opportunity!
Even a pig can fly with this kind of opportunity.
Well, she certainly wasn’t calling herself a pig, but that’s the idea.
Zhao Guihua bought so pig trotters, followed by so shrimp and crabs. When she ca across so osmanthus cake, she picked so up as well. Life was indeed better than before. In the past, if you didn’t have ration coupons, you couldn’t buy anything, but now, as long as you wanted to buy sothing, you usually could.
Of course, it might be a bit more expensive without coupons, but it was worth it.
She returned with several bags of groceries, and as soon as she stepped into the courtyard, a few aunties spotted her. Aunt Zhou looked surprised at all the bags she was carrying, saying, “You…?”
Zhao Guihua stood up straight, “The bell-bottom pants business is done, so I’m going to celebrate.”
Aunt Zhou’s eyes landed on the bags full of treats, and she couldn’t help stepping closer to Zhao Guihua, saying, “Old Zhao, tell , did you make a lot of money from this batch?”
Zhao Guihua chuckled, neither admitting nor denying.
Aunt Zhou’s curiosity was like a cat scratching at her heart, she was dying to know the details. “We’re like sisters, what’s the big secret? Just tell , did you make a few hundred?”
Zhao Guihua glanced at Aunt Zhou, “Our relationship’s not that close, is it? You’ve got plenty of secrets from , so don’t get all cozy. But I’ll tell you this—a few hundred? Ha!”
She said with a sly smile, “Do you think I, Zhao Guihua, would get involved for just a few hundred yuan? Do you think I’m that cheap?”
“So, how much then?”
Zhao Guihua chuckled, “You really want to know?”
Aunt Zhou nodded, “Yeah, I want to know.”
Zhao Guihua’s smile grew wider, “Well, even though you want to know, I’m not going to tell you!”
Aunt Zhou: “…”
What kind of person is this?
Zhao Guihua walked past the crowd, proudly heading ho. Aunt Zhou sighed, “Look at her, acting like she made a fortune!”
Aunt Wang: “You’re asking way too much.”
Aunt Zhou pouted, “I just wanted to know…”
After a pause, she added with longing, “Is this stuff really that profitable?”
“Who knows? I haven’t tried selling anything,” Aunt Wang replied, though her eyes were filled with eagerness. At their age, they weren’t afraid of anything, and with the recent policy changes, everyone could see things were getting better. If that was the case, why not try sothing new?
Aunt Wang thought for a mont, then stepped away from the group and sneaked over to Zhao Guihua. She was busy struggling with a crab, so when Zhao Guihua looked up, she asked, “Why are you here?”
Aunt Wang: “Guihua, do you think I could do business too?”
Zhao Guihua: “Of course you can! If I can do it, why not you? What makes you any less capable than ? We’re both old ladies, after all.”
Hearing this, Aunt Wang nodded quickly. She believed she was just as capable as anyone else when it ca to hard work and dedication. She hesitated a bit but then sat down and said, “Can you give so advice?”
Zhao Guihua: “Would your old man agree?”
Aunt Wang laughed coldly, “My house is run by , not him. He can’t tell what to do.”
She was firm, “That’s for sure.”
Zhao Guihua: “You’re quite the bossy one, aren’t you? Well, I don’t know how to give advice, but I think it depends on how much capital you have. If you have a lot, you can try selling clothes, but if you don’t, small items like underwear or socks might be better. Of course, small items won’t make as much money, but they have their advantages—you can keep selling them without worrying about losing too much.”
Aunt Wang: “How much capital would I need? If I wanted to sell small items, how much would that take?”
Zhao Guihua: “I can’t say for sure, but generally, the more you buy, the better the price you can negotiate. If you only buy a little, why would they give you a good deal? Besides, the clothing factories here don’t deal with private individuals. If you want to go to the south, you have to factor in transportation and accommodation costs. At your age, would your family even let you travel that far?”
Zhao Guihua was only speaking the truth, as a friend, she wouldn’t mislead her. She also hoped Aunt Wang could do well, but these things had to be made clear.
Aunt Wang: “Ah, really? That far?”
Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes, “Are you willing to stay close to ho? Do you think the clothing factories will care about you?”
Aunt Wang: “…”
It seed she was right.
Zhao Guihua vaguely rembered that in a couple of years, a wholesale market would be set up nearby, where small retailers could buy goods, saving on transportation costs. But that wasn’t the case now.
She said, “I’m planning to go to Guangzhou or Shenzhen in a couple of days, probably the latter. If you want to co, we can travel together for company. Of course, it’s not necessary if you don’t want to.”
She added, "My two sons don't want to go out, but I'm their mother, and I won't listen to them. Anyway, I think, if I don't make money now, what will I do in two years? When I'm seventy or eighty, will I still be able to travel far? So now, I'm going to do what I want."
Aunt Wang: "You're right."
She was genuinely tempted.
"I want to join too."
Aunt Zhou suddenly popped out, having been eavesdropping at the door for who knows how long.
Zhao Guihua rolled her eyes. "You're like a mouse."
Aunt Zhou grabbed Zhao Guihua's hand and said, "I want to go with you too. A money-making opportunity like this, you can't leave out."
Zhao Guihua: "How do you know it's about making money? It depends on the individual; you might end up losing money. Business depends on one's ability."
Aunt Zhou thought to herself, I'm not incapable, how can you look down on like that?
She was resolute: "I want to go too. I don't have a retirent pension, and I don't have much money. I feel uneasy. As we get older, we need to save so money. How else can we feel secure? Isn't it just business? I can be polite and understanding too. Just take with you; we can rely on each other."
"Do you have the capital?" Zhao Guihua asked curiously.
Aunt Zhou: "I plan to borrow so from Jiang Lu. I think she'll lend it to ."
Although she had been very harsh with her daughter-in-law before, they had gotten along well for the past ten years, and she felt confident there wouldn't be an issue. She added, "I'll save so money for my grandson."
Zhao Guihua: "If you want to go, that's fine, but if we all go, we shouldn't do the sa kind of business. Although the market in Beijing is big, it's better to avoid doing the sa thing for the harmony of the courtyard."
"Old Zhao, what are you planning to do?"
Zhao Guihua: "I have more capital, so I was thinking of stocking up on old man shirts."
In truth, she wanted to stock up on jeans, but the last batch sold pants—bell-bottoms and jeans were considered quite trendy. There were so many opportunities; they didn't want to exhaust them.
She said, "I plan to order a batch with patterns."
"That would be expensive, right?"
Zhao Guihua: "Of course."
"Then what about lower-cost items? Besides underpants and socks, what else?"
Zhao Guihua thought for a mont and said, "There are so, like school bags, pencils, and notebooks. Selling those at school gates wouldn't be bad."
"Right, right, right."
Aunt Wang and Aunt Zhou looked at each other. Aunt Wang asked, "What do you think?"
"I'll choose stationery," Aunt Wang replied.
"Then I'll stick with underpants and socks," Aunt Zhou said.
Zhao Guihua hadn't expected these two older ladies to join them, but this situation didn't last long. Soon, He Lan ca over, hesitantly looking at Zhao Guihua. "Aunt Zhao, can I join too?"
Zhao Guihua: "???"
He Lan was serious: "My husband, Zhuang Zhiyuan, works late and rides a tricycle for extra inco for our family, so I want to contribute too."
Who doesn't want a better life?
Zhao Guihua: "You want to join?"
He Lan: "Yes."
Zhao Guihua chuckled. "You're willing to join us old ladies?"
He Lan: "Why wouldn't I be? It's an honor to follow you; others don't even get this chance. Besides, you all have extensive experience, and I definitely won't lose out by following you."
"You have so sense," Zhao Guihua remarked.
He Lan: "Hehe."
In no ti, the trio of older ladies beca a quartet.
By evening, Wang Zizhen ca running in, heading straight to the Zhuang household, breathing heavily. "Aunt Zhao, you have to take with you!"
Zhao Guihua: "???"
Wang Zizhen: "I want to go to the south with you."
Zhao Guihua was dumbfounded. "Aren't you working?"
Wang Zizhen took a deep breath and said, "I've decided to quit my job."
Such decisiveness was truly comndable. Although she was a temporary worker, in a city with so many unemployed people, a temporary job was highly sought after. So for Wang Zizhen to dare to quit, that was really sothing.
Zhao Guihua: "You…"
It turned out that after Aunt Zhou and Zhao Guihua finalized their plans, Aunt Zhou started making her own calculations. Instead of inviting Wang Zizhen, who had a proper job in their elders' view, she wanted to borrow money from her. She rembered Zhao Guihua's advice about having more capital to buy more stock and negotiate better prices. So she turned to borrowing money from Wang Zizhen. After all, even if Jiang Lu could lend her money, more was always better.
But after so hesitation, Wang Zizhen asked her seriously if she could join.
To be honest, Aunt Zhou was a bit surprised, but soon she said, "You should ask Zhao Guihua about it, but don't you have a job?"
Wang Zizhen nodded. "I do, but I don't want to continue."
She also shared her situation with Aunt Zhou. She worked as a temporary worker in a clothing factory, far from being on par with permanent employees. Without benefits like salary, she wasn't eligible for overti opportunities or buying discounted materials.
Moreover, due to the mostly female workforce in the factory, there was plenty of gossip. Her easygoing family environnt and caring husband made others envious. Plus, her team leader wanted to squeeze her out and replace her with his niece, leading to subtle bullying.
Wang Zizhen wasn't a weak woman and would fight back when necessary, but the work environnt wasn't pleasant.
Normally, with three children and a heavier burden, she wouldn't consider quitting, even if she had to endure so grievances. But that day, the money she made selling popcorn was almost equal to her monthly salary. This got her thinking, and she started to feel tempted to leave.
But just when Aunt Zhou and the others had decided to go south, she suddenly wondered why she shouldn't take a leap as well. Over the years, she had followed the advice of these aunties and now lived a good life. Otherwise, she'd still be in her poor hotown, probably married to so random person, struggling to make ends et.
So she firmly believed in following the right path.
If you're not smart, just follow smart people.
So Wang Zizhen instantly made up her mind and ca straight to Zhao Guihua.
She said, "Aunt Zhao, I want to go with you. Please take with you. I'll work with my godmother on school bag and stationery business. Look, I'm still young—I can help you all with manual work."
Zhao Guihua laughed. "Alright, as long as you don't regret it later, I won't say more."
Wang Zizhen nodded vigorously. "I won't regret it. Every ti, I don't regret it."
Zhao Guihua: "A tree that doesn't move grows still; a person's life can change. Maybe this decision is right for you."
Wang Zizhen took a deep breath. "I'll resign tomorrow."
A woman of action indeed.
Zhao Guihua: "It's your decision."
She smiled and said, "Why don't we eat together tonight?"
Wang Zizhen shook her head. "No need, I'm going back now."
She darted off quickly.
If you're not proactive about making money, your mindset needs fixing.
Ming i was astonished to find that after she left for a quick trip to the police station in the afternoon, her mother-in-law had already assembled a team.
Earlier that afternoon, during the money division, her mother-in-law was still alone.
It was like the Water Margin heroes—she had managed to recruit several people in such a short ti.
Her mother-in-law really had so skill.
If this were discussed, Zhao Guihua would protest, "It was these people who approached !"
Blunt yet confused, Zhuang’s household mbers were also bewildered.
As Zhuang Zhiyuan was on a work trip, Liang ifen, coming ho from work, learned that her mother-in-law had already assembled a group to go to Guangzhou and went into deep thought. Were old ladies nowadays really so impressive? No wonder she could never outshine her mother-in-law.
Zhuang Zhixi looked pleadingly at Old Man Zhuang: "Dad..."
Old Man Zhuang, however, didn't side with his son at all. He said, "I'm in favor of your mother going."
He always supported his wife's decisions.
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
Although they had enjoyed a good al with fine dishes today, everyone still felt an indescribable unease.
Just as everyone was struggling to express themselves, Ming i quietly raised her hand and said, "I have sothing to say too."
Everyone turned to look at her.
Ming i swallowed nervously and said, "I... I'm going to change jobs."
"What?"
The room filled with gasps as everyone stared at Ming i in disbelief, their faces frozen in shock. Ming i's eyes sparkled as she explained softly, "I made this decision today."
Zhuang Zhixi was the first to snap out of it and asked, "Are you going to beco a police officer?"
Ming i shook her head, then nodded, then shook her head again, repeating the motion a few tis before saying, "Sort of, but not exactly. I've agreed to teach hand-to-hand combat at the Police University, thanks to Deputy Director Wang."
"What?"
Ming i sighed and said, "I fell for that old man's pitch, I guess."
The Zhuang Family: "..."
She continued, "But I thought about it, and while I'm not good at solving cases, I do know my stuff when it cos to this. So, I agreed."
Liang ifen asked a question that seed to co from deep within her soul: "Can soone from the bus station be transferred to the Police University?"
Ming i scratched her head. "I'm not sure if it's normal to do so, but Deputy Director Wang said he'll coordinate with the Police University. I’m considered a special talent."
"Is it a formal position?"
Ming i nodded. "Yes."
Liang ifen gasped. The police must really see sothing special in Ming i to have sorted this out for her.
Zhao Guihua asked, "This is between two different organizations—the police and the school. Can they really help with this?"
Ming i replied, "They can. I don’t know the details, but Deputy Director Wang said it’s possible."
Zhao Guihua: "..."
In her previous life, Deputy Director Wang always tried to persuade Ming i to change jobs, though she never agreed. But this ti, with more interactions due to various issues, and with Deputy Director Wang rising in rank, he beca even more insistent. Every ti he saw her, he'd give her a one-hour lecture. It seems he’s had an impact, as Ming i finally agreed.
It seems that in her previous life, Deputy Director Wang wasn’t persuasive enough. This ti, however, things went smoothly.
Ming i recounted what happened today.
This afternoon, after splitting the profits with Zhao Guihua, she went to the school to find Tonglai. Tonglai didn’t want to implicate himself and was looking for soone tight-lipped to confess to. So, Ming i took him to the city bureau to et Deputy Director Wang.
That’s when Deputy Director Wang "caught" Ming i again, giving her another relentless pitch.
Ming i had known Deputy Director Wang for many years, since she first t him on the bus while catching a thief. That was over a decade ago. She was honest with him, explaining that while she wasn’t unwilling, she was afraid of making mistakes that could lead to bad outcos.
If she were a rookie officer, she wouldn’t have such concerns.
But since she had captured many criminals, people had high expectations of her, trusting her blindly. Any error due to this blind trust could be disastrous. Ming i knew she was good at fighting but lacked proper training in criminal investigation. Most of the criminals she faced were brute thugs, perfectly matched against her physically.
Ming i understood Deputy Director Wang’s intentions. He kept persuading her, so she told him straight up that she would be happy to coach their skills, but she wasn’t interested in working there. To her surprise, Deputy Director Wang seized on this statent and asked if she’d like to be a teacher.
Ming i was as bewildered as the rest of the family.
Deputy Director Wang had a good plan. Since Ming i hadn’t studied criminal investigation and was unsure if she’d fit into police work, teaching would be perfect. They had investigated Ming i’s background and knew she had proper martial arts training from a respected master, her uncle. She wasn’t a re perforr; she had real skills. Since she was willing to teach, why not maximize her potential by teaching more people?
Deputy Director Wang thought of the Police University.
Though Ming i only had a high school diploma, which wasn’t considered high education by modern standards, it was decent for the current era. So of the instructors in the Criminal Investigation Departnt weren’t university graduates either. In this era, talent could be heavily relied upon.
Moreover, if Ming i beca a teacher at the Police University, it would make it easier to recruit her for police assistance.
Although superstition wasn’t allowed, Deputy Director Wang felt there was sothing unexplainable about their family. Criminals, no matter the scale of their cris, always seed to end up in their hands. It was quite baffling.
Deputy Director Wang was convinced his idea was brilliant and successfully persuaded Ming i.
He reasoned, "If you teach a few or a group, why not teach more? The more they learn, the better their chances against vicious criminals—maybe even save lives."
He added, "Your current job is relaxing, but it doesn’t show your value. If you’re passionate about catching bad guys, you wouldn’t want to live a diocre life. Even if your students catch criminals, it’s still a good outco, right?"
And, "I know you have young kids, and working as a police officer might not allow you to balance family life. But teaching doesn’t conflict with that—it won’t disrupt your daily schedule or hinder taking care of your children. Plus, you get two vacations a year! Doesn’t that sound great?"
And so on...
With his silver-tongued persuasion, Deputy Director Wang finally convinced Ming i, who found his argunts quite reasonable.
She explained today’s events and then innocently asked everyone, "I’ll be transferred this month. After adjusting, I’ll start teaching officially next sester."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
Others: "..."
Ming i’s eyes sparkled as she asked softly, "Zhixi, will you bla for making this decision without discussing it with you first?"
Zhuang Zhixi shook his head. "No, it’s your work. You can decide for yourself. And, I think it’s a good thing."
Ming i wasn’t too keen on working at the bus station anyway. Teaching seed like a good fit. As long as his wife was happy, it was all that mattered. He smiled and gently rubbed Ming i’s head, saying, "Do we need to discuss things like this between husband and wife? I trust you. As long as you’re happy, I’ll always stand by your side."
Ming i said, "I knew you were great."
Zhao Guihua said, "Stop sweet-talking in front of ."
She continued, "Alright, since Ming i is going to teach at the Police University, it’s a good thing. Let’s celebrate with this al."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Wait, Mom, isn’t this dinner to celebrate our business profits?"
Zhao Guihua retorted confidently, "Profits are your responsibility to celebrate. This is to celebrate Ming i’s new job."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Fine, you’re always right."
Everyone laughed.
Hutou looked at his aunt with admiration, remarking, "I struggle to get into college, and my aunt is about to beco a university teacher? Why is the gap between people so huge?"
Liang ifen: "Study hard."
Hutou: "..."
His parents couldn’t get into university themselves, yet they hoped their son could. Hutou thought, if the parents can’t do it, how can the son? Isn’t it a saying that each generation declines?
But Hutou didn’t dare to voice this thought. While his parents usually didn’t hit their kids, they could lose their temper.
TuanTuan and YuanYuan blinked their big eyes and sat to the side, taking a long ti to react before asking in a soft, cute voice: "Mom, are you going to beco a teacher in the future?"
Ming i replied, "That's right."
The two kids showed expressions that clearly weren't happiness, and Ming i asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing!" they replied simultaneously.
Ming i poked their little chubby cheeks. Yuanyuan smiled sweetly and said, "Mom, I'll study hard."
Ming i praised, "Good boy."
" too, too," TuanTuan chid in, rushing forward. Although they were already eleven years old, in their parents' eyes, they were still cute little ones. Ming i hugged both of them, and Zhao Guihua said, "Alright, let's eat."
"Okay."
Today's al was quite lavish. At the dinner table, Old Man Zhuang asked, "You're planning to go to the south, when will you leave?"
Zhao Guihua replied, "After the Qingming Festival."
Old Man Zhuang nodded, "That makes sense; it's not good to travel during the Qingming Festival."
Zhuang Zhixi whispered, "Mom and Dad, are we going to visit the graves today?"
In the past, everyone avoided such things, afraid of being labeled as superstitious. Even burning paper money had to be done secretly, let alone formally visiting graves. But in recent years, there had been a noticeable relaxation.
Year by year, the constraints had loosened.
So Zhuang Zhixi asked directly.
Zhao Guihua looked at Old Man Zhuang, who said, "Yes, I haven't been to the graves properly in over ten years. I should go this year."
"Alright, I'll go with you. Big Brother probably won't make it back in ti for the Qingming Festival."
Old Man Zhuang nodded, "Good."
He instructed his son, "Make sure you prepare well."
Zhuang Zhixi replied, "I know."
He added, "I wouldn't be surprised if other families also decide to go."
Such things often start with one person, and then others naturally follow. In recent years, the policies weren’t as strict as before; although they hadn’t been fully relaxed, things had certainly loosened up. Everyone was cautiously observing, and as soon as soone took the lead, others would feel more comfortable doing the sa.
Zhuang Zhixi said, "Even if others might go, I'll still be careful. Don't worry."
"That’s good."
Zhao Guihua gave a stern look to her children and warned, "Don't go spreading nonsense outside, you hear ?"
"We know!"
Zhao Guihua continued, "Good. Otherwise, I'll have to give you a good beating."
TuanTuan and YuanYuan pouted. Why are you looking at us when you’re talking? Although we're little, we’re not talkative. We’re big kids now. Big and well-behaved kids.
This life is unbearable! Mom is going to be a teacher, and grandma’s going to beat us. Sniffle.
Ming i laughed as she watched her two kids pouting, their lips sticking out like little oil jars.
Yuanyuan whined, "Mom, why are you laughing at us?"
Ming i replied, "Because I can, what are you going to do about it?"
Yuanyuan cried out, "Wah!"
Ming i burst into laughter, "Pfft!"
While Ming i's family was celebrating, Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong, who were next door, weren’t faring so well. The two of them were natural enemies, and if it weren't for Su Jinlai, they would never have lived together. But now that Su Jinlai had rented this place, neither of them was willing to leave.
Both of them had run away from ho after quarreling with their families, so where could they possibly go? Besides, Su Jinlai was here.
If they left, that vixen would surely cause trouble and pull so tricks.
Guan Hong thought so.
Zheng Huimin thought so too.
Guan Hong had sneaked ho today to bring back all her belongings, and Zheng Huimin had done the sa. Both of their belongings were more abundant than yesterday, but neither of them was particularly happy. Su Jinlai had gone out as a tour guide and wouldn't be back for a week.
So they were stuck living with this annoying woman, which felt utterly repulsive. On top of that, it was already late in the evening, and they were eating cornal buns, while next door, the Ming i family was having a feast. While they were enjoying their al, Zheng Huimin and Guan Hong were fuming, feeling that the food in their mouths was tasteless.
Zheng Huimin glared at the wall, looking at their neighbors, the Zhuang family. This family was too selfish. If they had such delicious food, how could they not share it with their neighbors? In her family’s courtyard, whenever anyone made sothing tasty, her little brother would always go over and get so, and sotis she could enjoy a bite too.
Now that’s a good custom!
Everyone in this big courtyard is selfish. They don’t empathize with the weak at all. She, a young girl, moved here from another place, unfamiliar with the surroundings, and she’s struggling. Yet they showed no sympathy. That kind of person should have offered a chicken here, a piece of at there, and so white bread too!
Not only did they not offer anything, but they also laughed at her. How an and selfish!
She pursed her lips, firmly believing that this was the right way.
Since Su Jinlai wasn't there, she didn't need to pretend to be weak in front of Guan Hong. She bit into her stead bun with a viciousness in her actions. Guan Hong glanced at her and imdiately sneered, "So you’ve revealed your true colors, haven’t you? I knew you weren’t any good."
Zheng Huimin retorted, "I know you’re jealous that Su Jinlai treats well, but attacking won’t help. If you can’t stand , just leave. Your parents don’t approve of you being with Su Jinlai, right? You should listen to your parents."
She wished Guan Hong would move out, so she could have the place to herself.
But Guan Hong wasn’t one to back down. She sneered, "Dream on. Do you think I’m stupid? You want to monopolize the house and Su Jinlai? No way."
Zheng Huimin knew it wouldn’t be easy to get rid of Guan Hong, so she snorted in response.
Guan Hong coldly stared at Zheng Huimin and cursed, "I know you’re clinging to Su Jinlai for his money. Let tell you, as long as I’m here, you won’t succeed!"
Just as they were shouting at each other, a delicious aroma of chicken soup wafted in. Suddenly, they lost the urge to quarrel. This chicken soup slled amazing.
Guan Hong muttered, "They’re eating so well. No wonder Su Jinlai doesn’t like people in their courtyard. Look at them, feasting like this when it’s not even a special occasion. The Zhuang family thinks they’re so great, but sooner or later, they’ll regret it."
She harbored a lot of resentnt toward the Zhuang family because Zhao Guihua, from the Zhuang family, had been the matchmaker and had scolded her, showing clear indifference. This made Guan Hong extrely angry and disdainful of them.
Zheng Huimin asked, "They look down on Su Jinlai?"
She frowned, clearly displeased.
Guan Hong replied, "Of course. Su Jinlai has complained about them to many tis."
She smugly looked at Zheng Huimin. She had known Su Jinlai longer and knew more about him than Zheng Huimin ever could.
Zheng Huimin noticed her expression and clenched her fists.
After a mont, she said slowly, "I’ll teach them a lesson for Su Jinlai."
She might not be as rich as Guan Hong, but she could do more for Su Jinlai. She believed that once Su Jinlai knew, he would realize who truly cared for him.
Guan Hong asked, "You want to teach them a lesson?"
Zheng Huimin replied, "What’s it to you?"
"I can too!" Guan Hong said, raising an eyebrow. She couldn’t let this woman get ahead of her. Glancing around, she said, "On Qingming Festival, I plan to dress up as a ghost and scare them to death!"
Showing off your delicious food in front of them, what nerve!
Daring to look down on my beloved Su Jinlai, you’re asking for it!
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